First Team Sign Off With Loss But Take Third Place

Old Boys travelled to Dronfield Hyde Park knowing that 3rd place had already been achieved as Dronfield Town had lost both of their midweek fixtures. This finish represents a best ever season for for the first team.

Old Boys travelled thin on the ground with Boler, Furness, J Taylor, Knowles, Marven & Stewart all missing due to injury or holidays.

Old Boys started very slow kicking down the slope and Sugar Robinson was called into action several times early doors and it came as no surprise when the home team took the lead.

Old Boys were level shortly afterwards when Anto Stray lobbed a stranded home keeper to make it 1-1. Old Boys then took the lead when a similar goal arrived, yet again from Anto Stray. The half time whistle arrived with the Old Boys 2-1 up and almost embarrased to be 2-1 up as the hosts had been far the better side.

The second half saw Hyde Park get the goals that their performance certainly deserved and ran out 4-2 winners as the Old Boys were just glad to get this late fixture out of the way and head home to contemplate a promotion that had seemed so unlikely back in October. Final League Table available for viewing on results page.

A well done to all concerned and a mention too for the fringe players who have turned up when asked or stepped up from the Reserves and C teams as and when necessary.

The club will shortly announce dates for both the AGM and of course the annual players awards night.

1st Team Close In As Royal Oak Defeated For First Time whilst Reserves Sign Of With 3 Points

The first team travelled to undefeated league champions and cup finalists, Barlborough Royal Oak hoping to cause an upset and land the points that would almost certainly see the third promotion place landed.

A close game was had at Moorfield just several weeks ago between these two sides and much the same was expected again.

Old Boys, without Stewart, the injured Ginny Boler and the absent Marven & Retallic called upon Ady Dykes to make his first start since the pre season friendlies.

The opening exchanges were tight with Sugar Robinson being the first keeper called into action when he tipped over on two occasions to keep the Old Boys in the hunt.

With half an hour gone the home team were reduced to ten for an off the ball incident in the box and this gave the Old Boys a lift and they finally started to get into gear with the one man advantage.

Just before the break the Old Boys took the lead when a cross was met by the livewire Ross Knowles who stabbed home from close range to give the Tange Dials a 1-0 lead at the break.

Barlborough came out blazing in the second half, clearly wanting to preserve their unbeaten season and they drew level when their man finished from close range.

Daley Furness, playing in midfield was now involved in an intriguing battle with Barlboroughs impressive Paul Blakemore, Taylor and Furness combined well and covering every blade of grass.

Old Boys regained the upper hand when a looping through ball was misjudged by veteran keeper, Kev OHara and James Taylor was on hand to prod home the loose ball.

This lead once again pepped up the Old Boys and they furthered it on around 65 minutes when Daley Furness ventured forward and his initial shot was blocked but he followed up instinctively to slot home at the second attempt to make it 3-1.

The game now got a little untidy with several rash challenges going in but Old Boys would still have time to have the last say when Ant Stray got the goal of the game when he thundered a strike into the top right hand corner to wrap the game up and give the Old Boys a thoroughly deserved 4-1 win and with it, the end of Royal Oaks unbeaten run.

Special thanks to Ady Dykes, who played at short notice and gave a committed and solid 90 minutes.

The Old Boys now look forward to their final game at Dronfield Hyde Park knowing the 3rd place is almost certain as Dronfield Town would have to pull around two wins from two and a 19 goal swing in the process.

The Reserves had sealed their survival several weeks ago and travelled to Dronfield Barracuda looking to sign off on a positive note and they duly delivered as they ran out 4-2 winners.

Tony Clarke with a thunderous strike and a hatrick hero effort from Benjamin Haye bringing the reserves season to a finish.

APOLLO SINK OLD BOYS TO BLOW PROMOTION RACE WIDE OPEN

Old Boys travelled to Barlborough knowing a win would mean promotion to Division 3 but a loss would blow the race wide open and allow both Apollo and Dronfield Town back in the chase.

Old Boys started well and early in the game some neat passing resulted in Anto Stray racing clear before turning a pair of defenders and cracking home a lovely strike into the bottom corner to give the Old Boys a early lead.

Apollo pepped up their challenge in response and had a couple of chances to draw level before the Old Boys regrouped and staged a couple of their own attacks and Furness nodded home what looked a good goal only to have it chalked off for offside.

Apollo then levelled as the Old Boys gave possesion away cheaply in the middle of the park and a tame shot deceived Old Boys keeper Ginny and the hosts were level.

Old Boys again stepped up the momentum and retook the lead through a fabulous strike from James Taylor a ball out wide found the winger and he cut inside before sending a lovely curler into the far corner to make it 2-1 to the dials.

Apollo were level before the break though and once again it was sloppy play that allowed Apollo in and their forward smashed home his second to make it 2-2 at the break.

The second half never lived up to the first half with both sides under performing and the Old Boys in particular not being anywhere near their best.

With hardly any chances being created it began to look increasingly like the next goal would win the game and Anto Stray had the best chance for the Old Boys when put in the clear but an awkward bobble saw the chance go begging.

Apollo took the points when they took the lead with ten minutes to go when their forward found himself in the clear and he placed a cool finish round sub keeper Sugar to give the homesters a 3-2 win which leaves them just a point behind the old boys with two games to play each. Dronfield Towns comprehensive win over Eckington also placed them back in the hunt but they have a tough ask to win all of their games.

Better news for the club was that Blue Bell Bolsover went down 0-1 at home to Highfield which means the Reserves cannot finish in the bottom three and Blue Bell themselves are condemned to the drop.

Royal Oak Edge Towards Title As Old Boys Battle Bravely, Reserves Slump Leaves Point Still Required

Old Boys 1sts gave one of their grittiest displays of the season as they battled for every scrap against the undefeated and champions elect Barlborough Royal Oak.

The Old Boys started brightly attacking the flats end at Moorfield in this, the last home game of the season and Ross Knowles headed goalwards on around 15 minutes only to see his effort cleared off the line.

Royal Oak responded and countered at the other end and a good move by the visitors brought out a great save from veteran keeper Ginny Boler.

Old Boys then stepped up the tempo again and a delightful through ball was brought under control by Daley Furness and the leading scorer bore down on goal and smashed home the opener to give The Tange Dials a 1-0 lead.

Royal Oaks response was immediate and they drew level when Old Boys failed to clear a scrap in the box and the visitors Kyle Pemberton drilled home on the turn to make it 1-1.

The remainder of the first half remained close fought with neither side really creating a clear cut chance.

The second half started in similar fashion with both defences on top for long periods and the game becoming quite physical as both sides strived for the three points.

Barlborough eventually made the breakthrough when once again, Kyle Pemberton took advantage of a lapse and fired home to give the Oaked ones the lead.

Old Boys pepped up again and their never say die attitude on another day would have brought reward but it just wasnt to be as Daley Furness had a header ruled out for offside with the three old boys forwards claiming he was onside and in the last minute of the game the Old Boys were denied a blatant penalty when the ref opted to play an advantage that did not materialise.

A great effort from the lads and nothing else more could have been asked of them, Royal Oak on the other hand are edging closer to the title and closer to an unbeaten league season.

It was also a pleasure to welcome back Anto Stray who returned from injury to complete the full 90 minutes and give a good display, welcome back Anto !

The Reserves travelled to Holmebrook Valley to face Saltergate club looking for the point that would preserve their safety and they got of to a flier when James Taylor gave them a 1-0 lead but from there on it, the morning turned into disaster as Saltergate ran out 5-2 winners with only a thunderbolt of a 30 yarder from Luke Ireson giving the lads anything to cheer about.

Next week sees the 1st team travel to Apollo in a game which will go a long way to decide who claims the third promotion place and Apollo are right back in it as they won 2-1 away at Darley Dale yesterday.

RESERVES LEAP TOWARDS SAFETY

Sunday 30th March

The Old Boys Reserves travelled to Clay Cross to face Nags Head and were looking to collect valuable points in their quest to avoid the drop and eventually, they would come home with the just rewards.

Bolstered by Craig Taylor & Daley Furness from the first team The Dials took time to settle in the first half and Goodwin made a couple of decent saves early doors to keep things on terms but as the half progressed, the Old Boys began to dominate the number of chances being created but Furness & James Taylor just could not find the finishing touches required.

The first half somehow finished goalless despite several clear chances being created.

The second half started as the first half had finished with the Old Boys doing the most of the pressing and the game was starting to get quite physical too with the referee having to stop proceedings on several occasions.

The deadlock was finally broken when John Andrews tucked away his first goal of the season with a nicely carved opening and a cool finish.

Old Boys were now well on top but Nags Head looked dangerous on the break and had several good opportunities themselves but failed to capitalise.

Luke Kidger should have made it two but he amazingly missed a header in front of an open goal from two yards and James Taylor fired wide when in the clear. Old Boys finally doubled their advantage when Craig Taylor smashed home a ferocious finish from 12 yards to give The Dials a little breathing space.

Nags Head though never gave up the chase and pulled one back with seven minutes left when a cross-shot deceived everyone and found its way into the far corner to make it 1-2.

The Ressies now looked a tad nervous as Nags started to bombard the visitors box and Goodwin made two crucial saves from close range to give the Old Boys the points, which lifts them two places and two points above the bottom three slot. In all reality, The Reserves now only need to collect a single point from two games to save themselves and possibly send down local rivals Blue Bell.

On the same morning, Hasland Wanderers won the crunch game at the top of this table to land the Division 8 title so we offer our congratulations to them.

The Old Boys 1st team also received a boost without kicking a ball as Apollo who are in fourth place lost 2-0 in their game which leaves the team now placed 7 points in front of them and having played the same amount of games.

Next week sees the first team travel to Title chasers and currently unbeaten Barlborough Royal Oak, whilst the Reserves travel to Saltergate Club looking for that point to keep them up.

OLD BOYS PUSH ON FOR PROMOTION

Sunday 9th March

The first team maintained their promotion push with a home win over Pilsley MW and that, combined with a defeat for Eckington Boys and a draw for Apollo, leaves the Old Boys with their destiny in their own hands as far as the third promotion place goes.

It was quite an even start with both the Old Boys and Pilsley showing several changes to the sides that drew 2-2 a couple of weeks ago.

Old Boys slightly shaded the first half as chances went begging for Daley Furness, Ben Haye and Ross Knowles, whilst Old Boys veteran keeper, Ginny Boler made an excellent one on one save to keep the visitors out at the other end. The first half finished goalless with no indication that seven would arrive in the second half.

It was Ben Haye, drafted in from the C team, who stole the show in the early part of the second half with a two goal salvo, the first involved an excellent turn and shot which left the visiting keeper with no chance and the second was a delightful and well taken lob, putting the Old Boys well in command at 2-0.

Keeper Boler, then gave Shaun Robinson a run out in the sticks and player manager Brad entered the fray at the back to give Jonney Mac a rest.

Haye then turned provider as he crossed for Daley Furness to head home at the far post and the game was now over as a contest.

It was then midfielder Ashley Scattergoods turn to get in on the act as he stabbed home from close range to make it 4-0.

Defender and skipper, Matthew Gough then went on a mazy run from his own back line taking himself and the ball deep into opposition territory before despatching a wonderful placed strike from twenty yards to make it 5-0.

A cricket score now looked likely as there was still well over 15 minutes on the clock but credit to Pilsley, they never gave up on the cause and pulled two goals back late in the game, one from the spot to finish the scoring with an Old Boys victory by a scoreline of 5-1.

Next Sunday the Old Boys look to make more progress when they travel to Dronfield Hyde Park whom play at Coal Aston.

The Reserves remain deep in the thick of things at the wrong end of the table, although they do have a couple of games in hand over their nearest rivals.

A trip to Calow to face the title chasers proved to be too much for Foxs men as they ran out on the wrong end of a 4-1 defeat, the only reward coming from a James Taylor strike. The Reserves have no fixture next week.

The C Team played out their final fixture of the campaign, also against title chasers, in the form of Royal Oak Tupton.

The Cs gave it their best shot holding the visitors to a 1-1 score for much of the game before eventually running out of steam and luck and going down to a 3-1 defeat. The goal came from the ever reliable Carl Sanderson as the C team look certain to finish in 6th or 7th spot in the table.

RESSIES & C's BEATEN BY PROMOTION SEEKERS

Sunday March 2nd

The Old Boys Reserves hosted Championship hopefuls Hasland Wanderers and a cracking game of football unfolded that saw the Reserves just edged out 4-2 in the end.

Hasland, needless to say looked hungry and when they took the lead their celebrations showed they mean business in landing the title as they started very brightly putting the reserves on the back foot.

With around 15 minutes of the first half left Hasland started to be pushed back themselves a little and they started to look nervy at the back. The Reserves levelled when James Taylor hit a screamer from 20 yards leaving the visitors rattled.

Just before the break and The Reserves took the lead when Tony 'The Bone' Clarke smashed in a ferocious 30 yarder which once again left the visitors looking on in disbelief.

The second half started and it was real end to end stuff with Hasland pushing on and Old Boys hitting Hasland on the break. Haslands equaliser arrived though and it was quite a fortunate one as their man hit a cross shot that fooled everyone and went in off the bar in freak circumstances. Hasland didnt mind one bit though as they again celebrated wildly.

If Haslands leveller had a slice of good fortune about it their third and fourth goals certainly did not as two very well worked goals arrived following some very good football. The visitors ran out 4-2 worthy winners and I dont think anyone could have asked for anymore from the Reserves too, a good game of football and we wish Hasland all the best of luck in their run in and quest for honours.

The C Team travelled to old rivals Boythorpe and once again the pre match banter was in evidence on the websites!!! It was Boythorpe though who had the last laugh as they did their promotion hopes the power of good, thumping the Old Boys third string five nil.

The closest the Old Boys came to scoring was when awarded a penalty but Daz Deguchy failed to take the opportunity.

Once again, we wish Boythorpe all the best of luck in their run in with regards their promotion chase.

1STS & C's SETTLE FOR POINT

Sunday Feb 24th

Old Boys 1st team travelled very thin on the ground to Pilsley MW and were missing Furness, Stray, Blakemore, Allsop & Cook amongst others so had to draft in a few Reserves to make up the numbers.

The game commenced in good time at around 10.30 with both sides being on the ball and it was the Old Boys who found the net first when a through ball was finished superbly by James Taylor who found the net when lobbing the keeper giving him his fourth goal of the campaign in just three starts with the 1st team.

It remained a pretty even game until the last 15 minutes of so of the first half as Pilsley started to dominate and when they finally levelled it came as no surprise.

The second half continued in much the same vein as the first half had ended with the hosts looking in control, the Old Boys looked at times out of sorts which wasnt that surprising given the makeshift side.

Pilsley finally scored what looked to be the winner and their forward clipped home a loose ball in the box that should have been cleared.

Paul Retallic, Siggy & Luke Ireson all entered the fray to give them a run out but it looked to be a lost cause as time was running out until a quality cross was put in by James Taylor and unchallenged at the far post was Luke Ireson who lowered his head so his hair wasnt spoiled and he tamely headed home the equaliser, much to the amusement of the travelling contingent.

Certainly a point gained in such circumstances and with Apollo drawing their game by the same scoreline the Old Boys remain in the fight to land third place.

The C Team entertained the Sunday Leagues basement team White Swan Reserves but could not find a winning formula and the cause wasnt helped by the team going down to ten men with the dismissal of Eggy Junior.

A point was secured in a three all drawer, primarily thanks to veteran Andy Weaver who rolled back the years and scored a hatrick from full back !!

The Swan fought gameley and thoroughly deserved their share of the spoils and they look to have improved on a weekly basis since Christmas as their results have simmered.

This Sunday sees The Reserves host Hasland Wanderers, whilst the C's travel to Boythorpe and regardless of what the fixture book and local press may say, the First Team Have NO FIXTURE.

SPONSORSHIP UPDATE

Further to the news published back in December, the club can now confirm that shirt sponsorships for the two adult Sunday teams has now been finalised for seasons 2008/09 and 2009/10.

The first team's home shirts will bear the new name, Abbotsbury Contractors Limited and our thanks are extended to David Wood at Abbotsbury. Some will recall that Abbotsbury were the clubs first major sponsor back in 2002 and it is a pleasure to welcome them back on board.

The reserve team's home shirts will also be bearing a new and familiar name in that of The Roller Company and our thanks are extened to Sean at The Roller Company who oversees that the company continue their support of the club having been sponsors at under 12 and under 13 level in the past and once again, its a pleasure to continue this relationship.

In addition yet another familiar name will appear on the reverse of the first team shirt as we once again welcome the support of Bolsover Engineering. The company already support the club in the sponsorship of the club tracksuits and we are again grateful of this continued support from Ado at the company.

The reserve team will see a new name on the reverse of their shirts as we tie up a deal for the first time with The Black Bull public house and our thanks are extended to both Gail & Russ at 'The Bull'. Although this is a first agreement between the two parties, 'The Bull' has supported the club in the past by hosting fundraising events and not to mention the food they place out for us every Sunday.

A sure sign that the club continues to move forward off the field and the support of all four parties is greatly appreciated and received by the club. When the opportunity arises we would urge our members to show their support and gratitude to all concerned.

C TEAM IN GRAND COMEBACK

Sunday 17th February.

The Firsts and Reserves games suffered through frozen pitch and cup obligations so it was left to the C Team alone to provide the sole entertainment on this freezing morning.

The C's took advantage of the firsts not playing and took along first teamers Craig Taylor and leading scorer Daley Furness.

On a pitch that in many peoples view was not fit for play, the C Team began well and held the territorial advantage in the early part of the game.

The C's however, came unstuck when a simple ball over the top, down the slope, was not dealt with and the Butchers forward made no mistake finishing well. Fifteen minutes later and it got twice as bad when Butchers again took advantage of hesitancy at the back and went 2-0 up.

This was a tough pill to swallow as the C's had the majority of the play, they did however, have a chance on the break to draw level when awarded a penalty. The spot kick however was bundled wide as Carl Sanderson kicked the ball into the divet on the terrible surface and the Tangerines were left two down at the break.

The second half started in similar fashion with the C's dominating for periods but struggling the break down an awkward home defence, it appeared time was running out as the score remained 2-0 with just 25 minutes left on the clock.

The C's eventually pulled one back when Darron 'Running Man' Deguchy broke clear and finished very well to bring the tange back into the game.

With around 13 minutes on the clock the C's drew level when Daley Furness raced clear and when faced with just the keeper to beat he slotted home well from the edge of the box to make it 2-2.

With their tails up the C's now sensed a win could be on the cards as play entered the final five minutes and it was the first teams leading scorer who came up trumps again and also took over as the C Teams leading scorer in just his second game for them as he slotted home in great fashion to give the C Team all 3 points as the game ended 2-3 in favour of The Tange.

In scoring his second of the game Daley Furness took his tally to 40 for the season and 7 in 2 games for the C Team.

Next week sees the first team travel to Pilsley MW, The Reserves have yet another weekend with no fixture whilst the C Team host local rivals White Swan Reserves.

LEAGUE LEADERS EDGE OUT OB's IN 7 GOAL THRILLER

Sunday February 10th.

Second placed Old Boys hosted top of the league side Holmewood looking to complete a double over them after winning comfortably at Holmewood earlier in the season.

Holmewood however would of course be looking to make amends for that loss and keep on track their challenge at the top.

A flurry of early goals saw Holmewood take the lead before Russ Marven levelled from the spot. Welfare again took the lead before the Old Boys pegged back again at 2-2 through James Taylor.

The scoring then simmered down for a while before the visitors took the lead yet again but the Old Boys wouldnt lie down and levelled through Ross Knowles at 3-3.

The killer blow arrived as the Old Boys went behind for a fourth time and despite a brave effort, the woodwork and a lack of lady luck saw the visitors triumph to maintain their charge at the top.

Assistant manager Jonny Mac stated he could not have asked for any more effort from the lads.

The result, combined with Barlborough Royal Oaks win saw the Old Boys move to third in the table and realistically the third position is now our only aim, the title race goes on though and despite Holmewood topping the table, Barlborough will fancy their chances having several games in hand.

The Reserves had no game but the weekend results were completed with the C Team getting soundly beaten by high fliers Brampton Peacock by five goals to one. Carl Sanderson found the net for the C's. Topped with the Under 10s Saturday defeat, a bad weekend for the club results wise.

OLD BOYS MAINTAIN PUSH

The Old Boys first team resumed league action after the disappointment of two cup exits and looked to maintain their promotion push against our most frequent opponents and old rivals Egstow.

Kicking into a strong wind the Old Boys did well in the conditions and created the better openings with new pairing Furness and Barton up front together following Ant Strays injury lay off.

The deadlock was finally broken when Ryan 'Toddy' Alsop fired home from close range after good work from several team members.

It stayed at 1-0 until the break as Old Boys looked in control and now looked forward to the advantage of the bitterly cold elements.

Things were soon to take a turn for the worse though as Toddy was the receipient of a terrible 'challenge' and he retaliated in the heat of the moment and the Old Boys were down to ten.

Assistant Manager, Jonny Mac then went with a lone striker but the Old Boys continued to dominate with ten men but rarely threatened to score again, Furness was the closest making the keeper work from a tight angle.

The gamie finished at 1-0 in a good encounter which leaves the Old Boys in a good position going into the final third of the season and placed well in the promotion race.

The Reserves played host to bottom side, Dronfield Miners and ultimately produced a poor display and lost by a scoreline of 2-5, Kidger & James Taylor found the score sheet but to no avail as The Reserves now find themselves just two points above the drop zone after this recent lull in form.

Better news emerged from Castle Leisure as goals from Deguchy & Richardson gave The C Team the points as The C's continued their mini revival by beating AFC St Helens 2-1 and leapfrog their opponents in the table.

Next week sees the 1st Team host league leaders Holmweood MW in a big 6 pointer whilst the Reserves have a week off and the C's travel to high fliers Brampton Peacock.

RESERVES LOSE BY ODD GOAL IN 7

Sunday 27th Jan

The Reserves were the only Old Boys side in action this weekend as they hosted high fliers Highfield at The Rodents Den.

The early battles were quite even but it was the visitors who eventually broke the dealock when presented with the simplest of tasks to nudge into an open goal.

The dials got themselves back on level terms shortly afterwards when Johnny Rushby kept his cool when put through on a one on one with the keeper to calmly slot home.

Just minutes either side of the break though proved to be disastrous for the Tangerines though as a goal in the latter and early parts saw the lads go 1-3 down. Highfield started to dominate and a forth was duly added with around twenty minutes to go to leave the Reserves with a mountain to climb.

The only bright mark on this performance proved to be the Reserves reluctance to give up and evenually the score was reduced to just a single goal lead as late strikes from Daley Furness and Calum Gerrard brought the score to 3-4.

The result leaves the Reserves an almost impossible task to break into the promotion places and next week they will be looking to bounce back when they face Dronfield Miners at The Coalite, The C Team next week face AFC St Helens at Castle Leisure whilst the first team complete the 3 team home fixture list with a game at Moorfield against old rivals Egstow.

C TEAM IN RECORD WIN

Sunday 20th saw both the 1st Team and Reserve Team suffer as victims of the waterlogged pitches but Castle Leisure was declared fit and the C Team hosted Blue Bell Inn from North Wingfield.

The C Team bolstered the team with two first teamers, namely skipper Matt Gough and top scorer Daley Furness.

The Old Boys C started the game well and took it to the visitors from the off, Blue Bell however proved to be stubborn in the early part of the game until Daley Furness finally broke the dealock on around 20 minutes.

This signalled the start of a nine goal rout which saw a further four goals from Daley Furness, these were added to with two from Alan 'Junior' Eggleston and one each from Carl Sanderson & Andy Topham.

A mixture of misses and a good display from the visitors keeper in the second half just prevented the Old Boys from reaching double figures, including a penalty save from Topham.

So the C's collected the points and boosted their goal difference at the same time and Manager, Eggy Senior will no doubt be aiming to continue this sort of form in the coming weeks.

DERBYS EXIT, RESSIES FALTER, C's JUST EDGE HOME

Sunday Jan 13th

The Old Boys first team disappointingly exited the DCFA Cup at the last 16 stage on this miserable Sunday morning.

Old Boys certainly did not have any luck during the game as forward Ant Stray limped off after only five minutes with an injury later diagnosed as torn ligaments which will see him sidelined for several months.

In addition, keeper Ginny Boler also got injured and had to play on until Sugar Robinson arrived at half time to replace him.

On top of that the Old Boys sideliners were convinced that the visitor's, Shirland MW, first goal was offside, a decision that the referee chose to over rule to leave feelings somewhat angered.

Despite the lack of luck, it should not detract from the fact that the Old Boys gave arguably their worst display since Dave Bradly took over as manager and the tangerines were never at the races.

One down at the break and the Old Boys finally carved out some chances but none were taken and it was rapidly becoming one of those days, the visitors added to their tally and effectively ended the game when they were awarded a penalty and their taker made no mistake and fired home to make it 0-2.

The manager, clearly unhappy at the performance will no doubt be threatening to shake things up when the team face Apollo away this coming Sunday.

The team would however, like to wish Shirland MW all the best of luck in the Quarter Finals.

The Reserves also had a unhappy morning when entertaining Calow at The Rodents Den and goals from Tony Clarke and Chris Capuano proved to be in vain as the visitors found the net four times to leave Bolsover with the points and put themselves in the thick of the promotion race with several games in hand.

The only bright note for the club was The C Team who travelled the short distance to White Swan Reserves and came home with the points in a close run 2-1 away win. Trailing until the last 20 minutes, the C's eventually came out on top thanks to strikes from Alan Egglston (Junior) and Andy Topham.

1st Team & Reserves Have New Sponsors Lined Up

The club is pleased to announce that Sponsorship deals have been lined up for seasons 08/09 and 09/10.

The First team have finalised their home shirt and main sponsors for the next two seasons and we are pleased to welcome back on board, our first ever Sponsors, Abbotsbury Contractors Limited.

Abbotsbury will appear on the Old Boys shirts for the next two seasons and the shirts will be worn for home games and all away games where there is no colour clash. The agreement has been finalised and the club would like to thank Dave Wood at Abbotsbury for his generosity at supporting the club once again.

The Reserve Teams sponsorship is almost sewn up and we are awaiting the final pieces of paperwork and we are pleased to welcome on board, The Roller Company from Creswell. Once again the deal will be similar to the first team and shirts will be worn at all home games and all away games where colours do not clash for seasons 08/09 and 09/10. The Roller Company have already supported the club in the past at under 12 and under 13 level and we are pleased to continue this association with the company. Our thanks are extended to Sean at The Roller Company.

The club are still in negotiations with several bodies regards a reverse sponsor for the rear of the shirts and hopefully this may be resolved shortly, so stay tuned in.

DOMINANT OLD BOYS FAIL SPOT TEST

The Old Boys 1st Team crashed out of the Chatsworth Cup at the second round stage just down the road at Elmton Road Social Club.

Old Boys were very slow to start and the few weeks break seemed to surface as the lads looked very sluggish. It was no surprise when Elmton took the lead on around the 20 minute mark when their forward headed home when unchallenged in the box.

Despite the poor opening Old Boys should have been two up by that stage but the chances went begging.

Just before the break Old Boys drew level when Anto Stray hit a ferocious free kick from 30 yards which fooled the keeper despite being close to him.

With Old Boys out of jail the second half started and The Tangerines laid seige on the home teams goal but their keeper was in stunning form, producing no fewer than 3 class one handed saves from close range, on the two occasions he was beaten the Creswell teams back four came to the rescue and cleared off the line.

The game ended 1-1 and half an hours extra time unfolded in similar fashion with Old Boys peppering the oppositions territory but once again finding their keeper in absolute stunning form. Old Boys thought they had stolen it right at the very death when with just 15 seconds of extra time remaining Craig Taylor fired home only to have the referee disallow the effort for 'pushing'.

So, it was to be penalties and after 5 spot kicks each it was all square at 4-4, Old Boys then missed their first sudden death kick and the Elmton Road player slammed home to send them through to Round 3. So out of the last 4 cup competition exits, 3 have been on spot kick deciders. We wish Elmton Road Social Club the very best of luck in the cup going forward.

The C Team also exited the Hutson Cup at Round 2 stage, depsite a 'scratch' side putting up a brave performance scoring four times against the league leaders, unfortunatley six went in at the other end to give Royal Oak Tupton the passage into Round 3, once again, we wish the victorious opponents the best of luck in the cups next chapters.

Sunday 13th sees the first team host Shirland MW (Alfreton Sunday League) in the DCFA Cup with a 10.30 Kick off at Moorfield, whilst the Reserves entertain Calow at Home and The C Team visit locals White Swan Reserves.

Bolsover Old Boys FC Xmas Raffle Draw Results

Prize No & Prize Winning Ticket Winner
51 LCD TV 0106 Beryl Clegg
52 CD Player 0253 John Wilson (Experian)
53 Mcvities Classics 0202 Jill Beer
54 Mcvities Classics 0533 Ashley Scattergood
55 Ferrero Rocher 0548 Lyndsey (Red Salon)
56 After 8s (Bag) 1278 Lewis (Lloyd Manley)
57 Bassetts Jelly Babies 1087 H C Pearson
58 Adfter 8s (Bag) 0303 Dennis Downs
59 After 8s (Box) 0392 Mrs Slater
60 Ferrero Rocher 0312 S Goodwin
61 Celebrations Box 0850 Ant Walker
62 Maynards Wine Gums 0576 Paula Miles
63 After 8s (Box) 0665 Bins (Quiet Woman)
64 Cadbury Heroes 0841 Ant Walker
65 Selection Box 1334 Mark Taylor (Tay)
66 Selection Box 1338 Ginny Boler
67 White Wine 1150 Natalie (Northern Lights)
68 White Wine 0121 Billy McArdle
69 Selection Box 0206 Kerry Bryan
70 Selection Box 1011 Danny Lee
71 Red Wine 0148 Richard Hollingsworth
72 Red Wine 0619 S Goodwin
73 Red Wine 0676 Sue Eggleston
74 Red Wine 0514 Lenny Starbuck
75 White Wine 1373 Ado (Bolsover Engineering)
76 White Wine 0541 Deb Moulds (Staveley)
77 White Wine 0380 Julia Salt
78 White Wine 0277 Darren Cutt
79 White Wine 1307 Dave Scully
80 White Wine 0860 Ant Walker
81 Chesterfield FC Signed ball 1397 Wendy Calow
82 Jack Daniels Bottle 1019 Kev Lee
83 Jack Daniels Tin 1152 J Rymans (Northern Lights)
84 Siggy/Leon 8 hours slavery 0318 S Goodwin

A THOUSAND PLUS THANK YOUS

All at the club would like to thank everyone who contributed to the excellent Christmas Raffle fundraiser for the club which resulted in staggering ticket sales of 1093 !!

Special thanks to Russ & Gail at The Black Bull, Cathy & Dave at The Anchor and Damo & Mandy at The Cross Keys for selling tickets on our behalf within their premises.

More special thanks to Diane Boler for obtaining some money saving hefty discounts for the raffle prizes, thanks also to all who donated prizes.

Damo Lee deserves credit for being the top individual salesman as he offloaded over a hundred tickets !!

Thanks again to Mandy & Damo at The Keys for allowing the draw to be staged there.

Thanks again to Russ & Gail at The Bull for their hospitality in housing the prizes (which can be collected from The Bull by winners).

Cathy & Dave, we offer further thanks too, for a donation of an extra fifty pounds from their own fundraiser.

Finally, thanks to all club members who bought and sold tickets and of course to all of the general public of Bolsover who supported this fundraiser magnificently.

The first prize was won by the Grandmother of James Stewart and a full list of winners will be published on here shortly.

RESSIES SHINE AS FURNESS PASSES 30 MARK

Sunday 23rd December

With the 1st team game at Pilsley MW postponed Russ Fox's Reserves took the opportunity to loan in a first teamer and opted for leading scorer Daley Furness who was after a goal to reach the 30 mark before Christmas.

Local rivals Palterton provided the opposition and the Reserves dominated from the off and should have taken the lead on several occasions as chances were spurned by James Taylor & Luke Kidger.

On around the half hour mark the Dials De Tange finally took the lead as Daley 'The Furnster' Furness bundled home from close range for his 30th of the season.

Further chances materialised in the first half but none capitalised upon as half time arrived with the score still at 1-0.

The second half however would see a further 7 goals in the fixture. James Taylor rattled home two, Luke Kidger one and Daley Furness with a couple to complete his hatrick and the scoring for the Tangerines as they ran out comfortable 6-2 winners and collected the vital 3 points to keep themselves on the fringes of the promotion race and leave manager Mr Fox a happy bunny over the festive break.

The C Team had a morning to forget, goals from Anto Stray, Craig Taylor & Ryan Allsop had the C's level at 3-3 with visitors Butchers Arms but a second half collapse saw the C's land on a whopping 3-10 defeat, a result that left manager Alan Eggleston not a happy man.

Next week is a blank week as all the Sunday League Sides take an Xman break.

OLD BOYS BEAT FREEZE & COLLECT POINTS

Sunday December 16th.

The big freeze affected the whole league as only seven fixtures from forty seven took place, the Old Boys Reserves and C Team being victims of the rock solid pitches.

The First Team however, with a PM kick off at Bolsover Town just managed to beat the freeze as the pitch side temperature scaled the dizzy heights of two degrees for the visist of Somersall Rangers Reserves.

Old Boys started the stronger and really should have been at least two up early doors as one on one chances fell the way of Furness & Stray but both failed to test the keeper.

More half chances materialised in the first half but The Dials lacked that killer instinct on a difficult pitch, Rangers also had a couple of half chances but Ginny was equal to them in the sticks as the first half ended goalless.

The second half saw the visitors make a change and the Old Boys remained as were and it did not take long for the first goal to arrive in the second half to give something for the brave spectators stood on the sidelines to cheer.

Anto Stray weaved past two players on the edge of the box and then sent a beauty of a curling shot into the far corner to leave the visiting keeper no chance.

The game suddenly exploded into life and a real end to end game now took shape, Old Boys had another good chance before the visitors broke and the Referee adjudged a push in the box and Rangers skillful number 4 levelled from the spot, his sarcastic celebrations towards the Old Boys 'fan club' though earnt him an immediate yellow card, much to the amusement of all on the sidelines.

The game was now poised evenly and it could go either way, Rangers 'found the net' only for the Referee to rule out for offside when a rangers play nodded in a knock on when clearly offside.

Old Boys now looked unsteady for ten minutes or so as Rangers dominated for the first time in the game but the Old Boys weren't about to lie down.

Old Boys finally regained some composure and attacked well down the flanks resulting in a corner kick, from the kick the visiting keeper fumbled and skipper, Matthew Gough was on hand to bundle home his first of the season to give the Old Boys a 2-1 lead.

This goal now gave the Tangerines a lift and they attacked again from the restart, a few more half chances arrived before Daley Furness found himself in the clear to nod home a loose ball and give the Old Boys the three points with a final score of 3-1.

Anto Stray received the refs man of the match and this was his just deserts for a tireless 90 minutes of effort.

The result leaves the Old Boys well placed going into the festive period, third in the table and in both cups as well, something that hardly looked likely at the end of September so well done to all concerned.

Weather permitting, the firsts travel to Pilsley MW next week with the Reserves hosting Palterton and the C's hosting Butchers Arms.

OLD BOYS PUT TEN MEN TO SWORD

Sunday December 9th.

5th placed Old Boys travelled to 3rd placed Eckington Boys hoping to leapfrog them with a positive result. Upon arrival things took a turn for the good as far as Old Boys were concerned as the hosts took to the field with just 10 players.

On a poor pitch Old Boys kicked uphill first half and dominated from the start, numerous chances were created but Old Boys finishing seem to have eluded them until a cracking move saw Ryan 'Toddy' Allsop play a cute reverse ball to Furness who fired home his 25th of the season to put the Tangerines one nil up.

The remainder of the half saw Old Boys peppering the hosts territory but the dials could not add to their tally and credit due to Eckington, they were proving to be very resiliet.

The half time break came and boss Dave Bradley instructed the troops he wanted more goals to show for the chances being created but even he wouldnt have thought a further eight would materialise.

Furness added a further 3 to make it four for him on the day and 28 for the season and goals also came from Paul Retallic, Russ Marven, Ryan Allsop, Anto Stray and the pick of the bunch, a curling 20 yard free kick from Craig Taylor.

All in all, a job well done against one of the Old Boys promotion rivals and also credit due to the hosts who despite their shortcomings of numbers of players, never really gave up the fight until the last 15 minutes or so.

The three points and the boost in goal difference saw the Old Boys move up the table again, next week will see the 1st team host Somersall Rangers Reserves in a Home Fixture, at Bolsover Town FC, Kick off 1.30PM.

The Reserves suffered the waterlogged blues again as the coalite pitch was deemed unfit on Saturday night whilst the C Team travelled to Lange Lane to face Derbyshire Times Reserves, a single strike from Jon 'Yoga' McArdle however, wasnt enough to bring anything back to Bolsover as the C's lost 3-1.

FURNESS FIRES AS OLD BOYS PROGRESS

Sunday December 2nd

Old Boys 1st Eleven met Division 7 high fliers Elton in the 3rd round of the DCFA County Cup and needed to apply the correct attitude to avoid the proverbial banana skin.

Elton actually had the first real chance of the game with a very early goalmouth scramble that Ginny Boler did well to hold.

The wake up call did its trick and Old Boys exerted some heavy pressure on the visitors back four and finally took the lead on 15 minutes when their centre back headed into his own goal whilst under heavy pressure from Daley Furness.

Just a few minutes later and it was the clubs leading scorer who doubled the advantage as Daley Furness headed home whilst the keeper seemed to be caught in two minds.

Before the interval the tie was effectively over as Furness grabbed his second of the game to make it 3-0 as he finished well.

The second half began in similar fashion with Elton creating a couple of early chances as they fought bravely to get back into the game but 15 minutes in the fat lady sang as Anto Stray raced through and fired a thunderous strike from the edge of the box to make it 4-0.

Daley Furness the completed his hatrick with a simple finish before he finished the rout getting his fourth and the Old Boys sixth in emphatic style, a neat bit of play involving Stray & Knowles saw Knowles skip down the flank and deliver an inch perfect cross for Furness to meet on the volley and place past the despairing visiting keeper.

Credit due to our opponents who never gave up the chase and battled until the final whistle, it was the Old Boys however, who were pleased to take their place in the last 16 of the County Cup.

The Reserves travelled to Hillstown to face rivals Blue Bell and in the end had to swallow the bitter taste of derby defeat.

The Reserves rearguard this season has usually be tight but on this occasion the hosts raced into a four goal lead, goals from Chris Capuano, James Taylor, Liam Smith & Jonny Rushby could not prevent defeat though as Bell ran out 5-4 winners.

The veteran C Team collected three much needed points when narrowly defeating the much improved Ranch Rovers by two goals to one, a Shaun Jones strike was added to by a headed goal from Jonathan Yoga McArdle and proved enough to see off Rovers.

Next week sees the first team travel to Eckington, The Reserves entertain Hasland Wanderers & The C Team travel to Derbys Times Reserves.

FIRSTS FIRST POINT V DRONFIELD, C's SLIP & RESSIES OFF

Old Boys 1st team travelled to bogey side Dronfield Town in a bid to halt our record of never claiming a point against the homesters.

As in previous games against Town, Old Boys started brightly kicking down the slope and put heavy pressure on the their back four and it was no surprise when the deadlock was finally broken when James Taylor fired home from an acute angle to give the dials de tangerine the lead.

Shortly before the break it was James Taylor who once again stooped in the box to double the advantage but old boys knew they would be in for a ride kicking up the slope in the second half.

It wasnt long in the second half before the hosts pulled one back when a goalmouth scramble saw the Dronfield man smash home from close range.

The game had been quite a physical affair but no one would have predicted what happened next... Ashley Scattergood was down injured and then Goughy and an opponent collided, the ref and several officials looked on at the injured Scattergood, looked up and saw a 17 man brawl unfolding, the referee did an excellent job in calming the commotion and order was restored, unfortunately for the Old Boys, this interruption and lack of concentration cost them the equaliser when Dronfield broke and punished.

The game was now end to end but in the final minute the ref made probably his only error of the game when he failed to spot James Taylor shirt being blatantly pulled in the box when rounding the last defender as the game finished a fair 2-2 draw.

The Reserves had their home game called off on Saturday night by Bolsover Town SC/FC leaving them somewhat frustrated as the pitch appeared to be in lovely condition by Sunday AM, that said however, it was holding water heavily on Saturday tea time.

The C Team made the short trip to Poolsbrook and came home empty handed as the home team won by a solitary strike, the nearest the C's came to finding the net was a scorcher from 'Yoga' McArdle who hit the woodwork from some 30 yards.

This coming Sunday sees the first team host Elton in the DCFA Junior Cup 3rd Round, whilst the Reserves face Blue Bell away in the big local derby and the C Team host the much improving Ranch Rovers.

1STS AND C TEAM PROGRESS IN CUP

Sunday 18th November

Old Boys 1st team entertained old friends Egstow in the first round of the Chatsworth Cup at rain drenched Moorfield and pretty much had the game stitched up by half time.

It was however, the visitors that made the best of the early exchanges but failed to capatilise on their early pressure, the Old Boys though, with their first real exchange took the lead when Anto Stray smashed home a ferocious volley from the edge of the box.

This goal lifted The Dials and moments later some really good football saw Daley Furness put in the clear and he made no mistake notching his 20th goal of the season in the process.

Just before the break and a clumsy challenge in the visitors box saw the referee point to the spot and Anto Stray bagged his second of the day to make it 3-0 at the interval.

Anto was rested at half time and Tallic moved up front to partner The Furness and it was Paul Retallic who prodded home with the shin to make it 4-0 early in the second half.

With the game realistically over and the elements freezing everyone to near death the rest of the game fizzled out and both sets of players and observers on the sidelines were pleased to hear the full time whistle so they could thaw out. A steady passage into round 2 with new boy Ryan 'Toddy' Allsop claiming the referees man of the match..

The Reserves visited Highfield FC in the Hutson Cup and went into a commanding 2-0 lead with goals from Luke Kidger and James Taylor but then hit the self destruct button as Highfield came back to 2-2, then an amazing last minute of the game saw both the Reserves and Highfield miss a penalty each.

The tie then went to extra time and Highfield ran out 4-2 winners in the end leaving the Ressies somewhat deflated.

The C Team hosted Blue Bell Inn at Castle Leisure and did the opposite to what the Reserves did, finding themselves 0-2 down before staging a remarkable comback which saw the C's claim the game 5-3 to progress to round 2 of the Hutson Cup.

The C's goals coming from Jonathan 'Yoga' McArdle (2), Shaun 'Vulture' Jones (2) and Andrew 'Rat' Wright.

A thin on the ground Old Boys 1st team squad travelled to Spinkhill to face KD West End Res in the 2nd round of the Derbyshire Cup and with Knowles, Wignall, & Blakemore all sidelined, James Stewart was drafted back into the squad as sub and Carl Sanderson moved up from the C Team.

Old Boys started lively enough and went close twice when efforts from Stray & Scattergood both rattled the hosts woodwork and it started to look like one of those days as the woodwork was hit yet again by Furness.

The hosts on their first real attack played some good wide football and the centre was struck home to give KD the lead on around half an hour.

For five minutes or so Old Boys then had to weather the storm as KD rallied after taking their lead, eventually though the Old Boys calmed things down and Sanderson was looking good on his 1st team debut.

The leveller arrived when Craig Taylor broke clean through with a well timed run and he held his nerve to calmly place the ball into the far corner of the net to give Old Boys the lift before the break.

The second half saw Old Boys attack from the off and the woodwork was hit before Daley Furness reacted quickest firing home the rebound to put the dials 2-1 up.

The game heated up now and the hosts adopted a more physical approach which the Old Boys matched and Ref, Bruce Baskerville did well to control. Daley Furness with his second of the game put the Old Boys into a commanding 3-1 lead with around 25 left and the Old Boys could now relax.

Goughy, playing in the heart of the Old Boys defence breezed through the game losing very little in the air or on the deck, another raid was sparked by Carl Sanderson who fed Craig Taylor whos cross/shot looked destined for a goal but Daley Furness was on hand to poach it with a final touch to seal his hatrick and a 4-1 Old Boys win and a place in Round 3.

Team: G Boler, A Scattergood, D Cutt, M Gough, J Macdonald, R Marven, C Sanderson, C Taylor, D Furness, A Stray, P Retallic, (Sub used J Stewart).

The Reserves also travelled thin on the ground when taking just 12 players to Grassmoor Sports Reserves.

Unfortunately this proved to be a big ask as the Reserves defence leaked heavily for the first time this season as Grassmoor ran out 5-3 winners. Old Boys goals coming from Bone Tone Clarke, Luke Kidger & Jonnny Rushby.

Next week sees the first team host AFC Dronfield Hyde Park, the reserves at home in the return fixture with Grassmoor Sports Reserves & the C Team hit the road travelling to AFC Saint Helens.

TRINITY TRIP IS OFF

Dials who expressed the interest and wished to book on our trip to the Gainsborough v Hartlepool FA Cup tie a week on Saturday will be saddened to learn the trip is cancelled thanks to Lincs police.

Trinitys game with The Hangers of Monkeys has been moved to the Sunday and there is no way the Sunday League would permit our games to be called off at such short notice.

We will be planning another Gainsborough day out shortly so keep peeled.

C TEAM TAKE POINTS, RES DRAW & 1STS FALTER

Sunday October 28th

The first team travelled to Darley Dale United whom they had beaten 6-2 just a couple of weeks prior and looked to consolidate their top three slot, unfortunately, it proved to be one of those days when the team just failed to gel after showing so much scoring form in previous weeks.

Darley eventually ran out deserved 3-1 winners with the only Old Boys strike coming from a close range scrambled effort from Ross Knowles.

Two of Darleys strikes cannoned off the woodwork and in and on another day the Old Boys might have come home with a point but it would have been robbery if they had !!!

The Reserves travelled to league leaders Palterton Sporting and came home with a 3-3 draw. The result would normally have been one to be pleased with but the Reserves actually led 3-1 with only five minutes to go so felt a tad down at the outcome in the end, never the less, a good point.

Goals from Tony 'Bone' Clarke, Liam Smith & Ben Haye did the damage.

The 'C' Team got the result of the day within the club as they entertained high flyers Brampton Peacock and soundly beat them by 3 goals to 1 at Castle Leisure.

The C Teams goals arrived in the form of another strike from Dale Richardson, one from the evergreen and ever cheeky Jonathan 'Yoga' McArdle and a further strike from Shaun 'The Vulture' Jones. The result lifted the C team a place up the table with still plenty to play for, for all 3 teams.

This coming sunday (4th) sees the first team travel to KD West End in the Derbyshire Cup whilst the Reserves travel to Grassmoor Sports Reserves and the C Team have a weekend off.

ALL THREE BAG THREE

Sunday 21st October

For the first time this season, all three senior sides collected three points on the same Sunday.

The first team entertained Apollo and once again a goal feast came to light. Apollo broke the deadlock on around 20 minutes as the visitors dominated the opening half hour as Old Boys struggled to make any chances.

On 35 minutes though Old Boys drew level when a peach of a through ball from Daz 'Of The Bum Headed Variety' Cutt found Anto Stray who fiercly volleyed the Tange Dials level from close range.

Within two minutes Daley Furness turned the first half on its head when at the second attempt he bundled home from close range.

Just before the break and the Old Boys had the chance to further increase their lead when awarded a spot kick for handball but the visiting keeper produced a stunning save from Anto Strays thunderous kick.

Half time came and early in the second half Old Boys went 3-1 up when Daley Furness added his second but then Apollo reduced the arrears back to 3-2 when their midfielder hit a peach of a shot from a tight angle to give recalled and impressive Shaun Robinson no chance in the old boys sticks.

For five minutes or so Old Boys looked a tad nervous but soon restored their two goal advantage when Anto Stray weaved in and out of the visitors defence before despatching a cool finish into the visitors bottom right hand corner to make it 4-2.

Daley Furness then made a piece of club history as he smashed home a wonder strike to make it 5-2, giving him his third consecutive hatrick following three and four goal blasts againts Holmewood and Darley Dale.

Apollo then caught Old Boys cold footed to make it 5-3 before Anto Stray hammered a thunderbolt of a free kick past the Apollo wall from 25 yards to make it 6-3 as Moorfield remained the goals feast ground of the Sunday League.

The Reserves entertained Saltergate Club at The Rodents Den and goals from Strikers Jonny Rushby & James Taylor gave the Tange a comfortable lead before Allan 'The Bulb' Elliott added a third to make it 3-0 at the end of proceedings.

Finally, The 'C' Team hit the road and travelled to Blue Bell Inn and Eggys men came home from the trip with the points in the satchel following a solitary strike from Dale Richardson to halt their recent run of poor results.

RESERVES DO ALL BUT SCORE

Sunday Oct 14th

The Reserves travelled to Highfield hoping to claim the points and took Ash Scattergood as cover for the suspended Goodwin and Taylor of the Craig variety as cover on the bench with the firsts having no game.

The kick off was somewhat delayed due to insufficient pegs in netting and dog mess on the field, the hosts seemed somewhat reluctant to sort this out and the referee at one point threatened to call the game off until the Highfield lads finally sorted it out.

The first half saw the Ressies dominate and created several scoring chances but failed to convert and restricted the hosts to just one real first half chance.

It seemed just a matter of time before the Old Boys took the lead but the same unfolded in the second half, the Old Boys defence had conceded just six goals prior to the start of this game and once again the back four and keeper held firm.

Chances went a begging though and you just started to get the feeling punishment would arrive and it duly did so on 85 minutes when the hosts took the lead following a goalmouth scramble from a corner kick.

The final whistle frustrated the Old Boys who really should have collected a minimum of a point and in all reality should have taken all three considering the chances that went begging.

Just before the end drama unfolded when the hosts manager was 'red carded' from the side lines for comments to the referee and in the dressing rooms afterwards the hostilities continued and a Highfield player was 'sent off' after the match to go along with the several bookings already collected by the hosts.

If nothing else, a eventful, entertaining but somewhat frustrating morning at the office but if the Reserves continue to dominate for long periods like this in games to come then surely a result or two will follow.

FURNESS POWERS 4 AS OLD BOYS HIT SIX

Daley 'The Power' Furness claimed a hatrick last week but went one better this week as the Old Boys claimed their first ever win over Darley Dale United.

Old Boys were on top for most of the opening half but struggled to make a break through and had to be patient, it finally came in the 40th minute when a tallic corner was headed home by Daley Furness. Just two minutes later and Daley struck again to give the Tangerines and deserved two goal half time lead.

Early in the second half saw the ref point to the spot and with regular spot kick man Russ Marven sidelined with injury, Daley Furness stepped up and drilled home to claim his second hatrick in 8 days.

Darley then staged a comeback, they too were awarded a spot kick which the taker cooly slotted into the top corner to give Martin Dewberry no chance and just minutes later the visitors were back in it at 2-3 when their forward smashed home from 12 yards.

Old Boys stepped up again and Daley Furness grabbed his and the Old Boys fourth before Paul Retallic powered home from the edge of the box to make it 5-2.

There was just time for an Old Boys sixth when debutant and refs man of the match, Ross Knowles beat the keeper from close range to cap a quality debut as Old Boys ran out comfortable 6-2 winners.

Despite a shaky start to the season, these back to back wins take Old Boys to second in the league table, although somewhat quite some distance points wise behind leaders and champions elect, Barlborough Royal Oak who have assembled a very strong side this season.

Team:-

M Deberry, D Cutt, P Cook, C Blakemore, A Scattergood, M Gough, R Knowles, C Taylor, D Furness, D Bradley, P Retallic.

Subs (All used):-

L Ireson, L Smith, A Stray.

Refs Man of Match: R Knowles.

The Reserves and 'C' team had no scheduled games but The 'C' Team hosted White Swan Reserves in a friendly and ran out 5-2 winners with Old Man Eggy, Ben Haye (2), Shane Barton & 'Yoga' McArdle finding the onion bag.

The Power Gets Brad Off To Winning Start, Res & C Falter

Sunday Sept 30th

The first team travelled to the cauldron that is Holmewood with Dave Bradley taking the reigns for the first time.

As expected, a nice welcoming committee awaited and comments that dont belong around a football pitch were being bellowed out for the next hour and three quarters.

Old Boys made a solid start and on around 20 minutes the deadlock was broken as Daley The Power Furness drilled home to give us a deserved lead.

This rattled the hosts and they started to look shaky at the back and ten minutes later a delightful lob forward by Russ Marven was headed home by Daley Furness to double the advantage.

The prolific Anto Stray then gave Old Boys a three goal lead when he finished clinically with a delightful lob when put in the clear.

Holmewood pulled one back on the stroke of half time to make it 3-1.

The break saw debutant youngster Harshaw replaced with The Bum Headed One and the game took on a new and horrendous meaning.

The home teams challenges started to border on brutality which was a shame because the hosts can and usually do, play good football. A nervy Old Boys opening saw Holmewood reduce the arrears to 2-3 and folks feared the worst after last weeks collapse.

However, Old Boys were in a different mood and the battle unfolded, unfortunately Russ Marven was a victim as he left the field with blood pouring out of his boot.

One more goal would seal it though and the front two tried and teased with Anto Stray being singled out for special treatment from the home teams linesman.

Daley Furness killed the game though when he raced clear to complete his hatrick in fine style to give the Old Boys a very hard fought three points, winning 4-2.

The Reserves lost for the first time this season though as a James Taylor equaliser at 1-1 proved to be in vain as the visitors, Nags Head Clay Cross ran out winners 3-1.

The C Team had made a good start to the season several weeks ago but have now lost the momentum, the latest loss was one which no doubt would have given Boythorpe FC a lot of pleasure as our internet pals and guestbook rivals thrashed the Cs 7-0 at Castle Leisure.

BRAD TAKES HELM AND DIFFERENCES DEBATED

Last nights meeting, for those that could not make it saw Kev Lee's formal resignation as first team manager accepted by the club and Kev was thanked and thoroughly applauded for his work at the club over the past five and a half years.

Taking the helm on a temporary basis is the experienced David Bradley who was voted in unanimously to take charge for this weekends fixtures, the position is to be reviewed pending further applicants and players ballot.

Also discussed was the ongoing issue of players for either the First Team or Reserves refusing to co-operate with the managers decisions regards who plays for who. It was agreed by all present that ALL players will depart each Sunday to the teams chosen by the said managers and under NO CIRCUMSTANCES will players be permitted to choose themselves.

In the event that a player deliberately and continuosly either refuses and/or turns up late to make it impossible for him to go with the away team then the said player will be dealt with by the managers and club as is deemed fit and may have his membership and registration terminated.

The type of player meeting like last night will also happen more frequently, possibly on a monthly basis so that players, as well as committee, can air their views on a more frequent basis.

Once again, the club would like to thank Kev Lee for his efforts and successes he brought to the club during his reign and the club would also like to wish David Bradley the best of luck in his new role.

Kev Lee has expressed his wishes to remain with the club, which is great news for Kev is a founder of the club and has been here since day one, Kev was last night appointed as 'club liason' person and anyone from any of the three adult teams that has a problem and wishes Kev to be a go-between, between either managers or committee can speak with Kev and seek his advice or help.

Lets get back to playing football !!!!!!

Kev Calls Time As New Manager Required

Monday 24th September

The club has today received the formal resignation of long serving 1st team manager Kev Lee.

Kev, the first team manager since the clubs formation in 2002 has taken the team & the club a long way in his five years at the helm, guiding the team from Division 8 to Division 4 of the Sunday League.

Promotion from Div 8 was secured in his second season by finishing 3rd and the following season a runners up spot was achieved in Div 7 whilst the team also reached the semi final of the Hutson Cup.

2005/06 saw Kevs team lift the Division 6 Championship at the first attempt and ensure a two division promotion to division four.

Last season the club consolidated its Division 4 status and enjoyed cup runs to the Quarter Finals of both the Chatsworth & Derbyshire Cups.

The club as a whole would like to thank Kev for all of the hard work, commitment and enthusiasm shown over the past 5 and a half years and we sincerely hope to see his face at Moorfield on a regular basis.

The club are now seeking any person who fancies a go at managing the first team, once any applicants have been received a ballot of first team players and staff will take place to elect the new manager.

Applicants should apply either via Email jamiebolsover@msn.com or telephone club Secretary Jamie on 07717 686243.

Solitary Point Only Between 3 Teams

Sunday 23rd Sept

Well.. Sunday morning turned out to be a poor one with only the Reserves coming away with anything to show within the Adults sections.

The first team twice had the lead against Eckington Boys but eventually lost out 3-4.

A bright start saw the Tangerines take the lead through an own goal as a Eckington defender prodded into his own goal whilst under heavy pressure in the box.

Old Boys continued to dominate and really the visiting keeper should have walked when his deliberate hand ball outside of the area preventing a clear scoring opportunity for the dials but the keeper was lucky to see just a yellow card.

Craig Taylor then scored a beauty from long range to make it 2-0 and the Old Boys seemed to be cruising towards victory until a minute from half time Eckington scored to make it 2-1.

Old Boys then gifted the visitors a second goal when failing to clear their lines and it was back at 2-2.

Almost immediately though the Old Boys regained the lead when a terrible 'challenge' in the box saw Russ Marven net from the spot for the second consecutive week to make it 3-2.

With just 14 minutes left the Old Boys then self destructed and conceded two more sloppy goals to run out 3-4 losers.

The Reserves travelled up the road to Palterton to face league leaders Hasland in a second v top encounter.

James Taylor hit a wonder strike from 35 yards to give Old Boys the lead but this was eventually cancelled out and the game ended 1-1. It also appeared that the game lasted somewhat shorter than the scheduled 90 minutes as the 'home' referee blew way early for full time????

The 'C' Team put in their worst display of the season so far and ended up being soundly beaten by 0-3 at home by Derbyshire Times Reserves to surrender their lead at the top of division 9.

A Win, A Draw & A Loss

Sunday September 16th

Sunday saw a mixed bag of results for the three teams, the first team travelled to Brookfield School with just 11 players and a late arrival of Yoga to make up just the one substitute, to face a young and vibrant Somersall Rangers Reserves side.

A early goal for the home side rocked the Old Boys but it was the dials who played the neater football and pressed for a leveller but on around 25 minutes against the run of play the Old Boys went two down.

Mental strength was now required and the boys did not alter their approach and continued to play some good football despite the setback, just minutes later their just rewards came when a good cross was met by Ashley Scattergood who nodded home.

Anto Stray then went on the chase for a through ball and was dragged down by the keeper who was lucky not to see at least a yellow card and Russ Marven made no mistake from the spot to level it at 2-2.

After the comeback the Old Boys would suffer another set back as Somersall played a corner to the edge of the box and their man met it on the volley giving Ginny no chance with one of the best strikes seen on a Sunday morning for some time.

Once again the Old Boys continued to play their football and just minutes later Daley Furness levelled with a well taken header. Following this strike comments were made from the touchline by some Somersall idiot and Conrad Blakemore reacted dishing some verbal back, enough for the referee to dismiss him, this infuriated several Old Boys and Dave Bradley and Jon Macdonald had to be restrained as the Old Boys felt it unjustified, especially given as Anto Stray had been kicked from pillar to post in the opening half with no action against any offenders.

Half time, 3-3 and Old Boys down to ten but the second half saw the 10 men dominate for long periods, outplaying and outfootballing their younger hosts but a finishing touch could not be found and the game fizzled out to a 3-3 draw.

Team:-

G Boler, D Bradley, C Blakemore, P Boler, J Macdonals, D Cutt, A Scattergood, C Taylor, R Marven, D Furness, A Stray,

Used Sub: J McArdle.

Refs Man of Match: Anto Stray

The Reserves continued with the impressive and unbeaten start to life in Div 8 and a single goal from Luke Kidger was enough to see off Dronfield Barracuda, although the margin should have been bigger.

This result saw the Reserves claim their 7th point from a possible 9.

Team:-

M Dewberry, A Stewart, P Cook, C Gerrard, S Goodwin, A Sigona, B Haye, L Smith, J Taylor, J Rushby, L Kidger.

Subs Used: A Elliott, A Weaver, L Ireson.

Refs Man of Match: A Stewart.

The C Team however, lost their 100% record as they crashed 2-1 away at Royal Oak Tupton despite taking the lead through a bizarre own goal by the hosts keeper who fired into his own net from some distance.

Team:-

D Johnson, D Watkinson, D Richardson, R Johnson, AK Walker, D Wright, S Jones, C Sanderson, D Deguchy, J Wignall, A Wright.

Used Subs: S McDonald, A Eggleston Jnr, S Barton.

Refs Man of Match: Carl Sanderson.

Reserves & C Team Fly, 1st Team Falter

Sunday September 9th

A day of joy would materialise for the Reserves and C Teams but a disastrous day for the First Team unfolded which ended seeing the camp split in half.

A reasonable first half display from the 1st Team saw a 3-2 half time lead taken in at the break. Dronfield Town scored early in the game before Stray levelled with a well taken volley from a good Jack Weaver cross. Matthew Gough then beat several opponents before delivering a knock that resulted in a goal mouth scramble and Daley Furness as on hand to make it 2-1 to the tange.

A lapse in concentration then saw Town level matters before Jack Weaver pounced late in the second half to give the Old Boys a 3-2 half time lead which was just about deserved.

The second half turned out to be a nightmare affair, Dronfield levelled shortly in when Russ Marven was harshly adjudged to have handled in the box when he was tripped himself and landed on the ball. Dronfield levelled from the spot and before long an avalanche of individual and collective errors saw Dronfield run out 6-3 winners.

Following the calamity, several players threatened to jump ship and others took delight in blaming one another for the shambolic second 45 minute display. In all reality, the team as a whole just didnt perform in the second half and got what their collective lack of effort deserved.

Team:-

G Boler, A Scattergood, C Blakemore, P Boler, D Cutt, R Marven, M Gough, C Taylor, D Furness, A Stray, J Weaver.

Sub used: P Retallic.

Refs man of the match M Gough.

Other Div 4 Results, AFC Dronfield Hyde Park 2 Eckington Boys 2, Apollo 4 Pilsley MW 1, Barlboro' Royal Oak 2 Somersall Rangers Res 1, Darley Dale Utd 1 Holmewood 4.

Much better news would materialise from the Reserves camp as Russ Foxs lads turned in a dominant display away at Dronfield Miners.

Numerous chances where carved out in the first half and a double strike from James Taylor gave the dials a commanding 2-0 lead. Miners eventually pulled one back before Jonny Rushby ended all hopes of a home team comeback by bagging the Old Boys third to make it 3-1, which is how it stayed until the end giving The Reserves a four points from six start to the season.

Team:-

M Dewberry, A Stewart, P Cook, T Clarke, S Goodwin, A Sigona, L Smith, B Haye, J Taylor, J Rushby, L Kidger.

Sub used:-

A Elliott.

Refs man of the match L Smith.

Other Div 8 Results, Blue Bell Bolsover 5 Saltergate 0, Calow 2 Palterton 3, Dronfield Barracuda 2 Grassmoor Sports Res 3, Hasland Wanderers 6 Nags Head Clay Cross 4.

The C Team hosted division nine pre-season favourites Poolsbrook and a highly entertaining game of six goals would arrive at Castle Leisure.

Poolsbrook made the early running and dominated the opening twenty minutes but Andrew Wright broke the deadlock to give the Cs the lead. Poolsbrook fought back to 1-1 and eventually levelled at 2-2 with just eight minutes left but a late surge from the C team saw them run out winners by four goals to two with the other goals coming from Andrew Wright again, Shaun Jones and man of the match Carl Sanderson.

A terrific start then for the C Team who have taken a maximum six points from six in their opening two games.

Team:-

D Johnson, D Watkinson, D Richardson, R Johnson, AK Walker, Andy Weaver, S Jones, C Sanderson, D Deguchy, J Wignall, A Wright.

Sub used:-

S Macdonald.

Refs man of the match C. Sanderson.

Other Div 9 Results, Blue Bell Inn 2 Brampton Peacock 2, Boythorpe 1 Ranch Rovers 1, Butchers Arms 2 White Swan Res 1, Royal Oak Tupton 3 Derby Times Reserves 4.

League Openers Bring 2 Wins & A Draw

Sunday 2nd September.

The first league games of the season brough about a good days work as all three sides avoided defeat.

The 1st team travelled to Clay Cross to face Egstow and started very slowly which resulted in Egstow taking the lead midway through the first half. Ten minutes later and Anto Stray bagged the teams first goal of the season to bring it level with a clinical finish.

The remainder of the first half saw a relatively poor performance from the Old Boys who went in at the break fortunate to be on terms as Egstow missed a penalty late in the first half.

The second half arrived and the Old Boys looked a different side and within 5 minutes of the restart had gone 3-1 up. Daley 'The Power' Furness made it 2-1 with a stooping header at the far post and just minutes later another cool finish from Anto Stray made it 3-1.

The Old Boys had taken control now and Goughy, Marvin & Taylor started to click and be slick in the middle of the park. Daley Furness added his second and the Old Boys fourth when finishing a good move and late in the game the Dials where awarded a free kick around 30 yards from goal and Jack ' The Wizard' Weaver curled a beauty around the wall into the bottom right hand corner leaving the keeper looking in disbelief and leaving the Old Boys with a 5-1 opening day victory.

Team:-

G Boler, A Scattergood, P Boler, C Blakemore, M Gough, R Marven, D Cutt, C Taylor, D Furness, A Stray, J Weaver,

Subs Used:-

D Bradley, J Macdonald, Adam Weaver.

Refs Man of the Match: Anto Stray

Div 4 scores:-

Dronfield Town 2 Barlboro' R Oak 3, Eckington Boys 5 Apollo 2, Egstown 1 Bolsover Old Boys 5, Pilsley 1 Holmewood MW 4, Somersall Rangers Res 1 AFC Dronfield 1.

The Reserves hosted local rivals Blue Bell Bolsover and took a lead in the opening minutes through new boy and pre season regular scorer Luke Kidger but in the end had to settle for a point as the game finished 1-1.

Refs Man of the Match: Shaun Goodwin.

Div 8 scores:-

Bolsover Old Boys Res 1 Blue Bell Bolsover 1, Grassmoor S R 1 Dronfield Miners 1, Highfield 4 Hasland Wanderers 4, Nags Head 6 Dronfield Barracuda 3, Palterton 2 Saltergate 2.

The 'C' Team made their league debut away at another side making their debut, Ranch Rovers and the C's returned home from King George V playing fields with a comfortable three points following a 4-0 win. The goals coming from a long range effort from Andrew 'Rat' Wright a further brace from Daron 'Running Man' Deguchy and the one and only Jimmy 'The Magician' Wignall signed off the fourth to end a decent days work for the club.

Team:-

D Johnson, D Watkinson, D Richardson, A Walker, Andrew Weaver, S Jones, R Johnson, C Sanderson, J Wignall, D Degruchy, A Wright.

Subs Used:-

S Barton, S Macdonald, A Eggleston.

Refs Man of the Match: Carl Sanderson.

Div 9 scores:-

Derby Times R 1 Blue Bell 2, Poolsbrook 4 Royal Oak Tupton 1, White Swan Res 2 Boythorpe 3, Ranch Rovers 0 Bolsover Old Boys 'C' 4 (St Helens Match P-P).

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